Game Preview: Solar Bears at Wings - Dec. 16, 2016

Solar Bears Game 25 • Away Game 11 • ECHL Game 331

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears (15-7-2-0) at Kalamazoo Wings (9-14-0-2)VENUE: Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.DATE: Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: Visit our website or download the new Solar Bears mobile app to listen to the game via MixlrTONIGHT:The Orlando Solar Bears take on the Kalamazoo Wings in the first of two games at Wings Event Center. Last season, the Solar Bears came away with a 6-2 win in Kalamazoo on Jan. 12. A win today, coupled with a loss by the Florida Everblades who host the Atlanta Gladiators, could allow Orlando to jump into first place in the ECHL’s South Division.

FAILLE NOT FAR BEHIND FINDLAY:Now that Brett Findlay has taken over the franchise lead in goals with his 35th and 36th tallies on Wednesday, Eric Faille is not far behind. His power-play goal in the 5-2 win over Wheeling gave him his 33rd in his career with Orlando. Faille also led the Solar Bears in scoring against Kalamazoo last season, with seven points (4g-3a) in four games. Faille and Findlay are both tied for the Eastern Conference lead with most points on special teams with 12 apiece, second only in the league to Toledo’s A.J. Jenks (13).

BAIER STRONG IN RETURN PERFORMANCE:After returning from his loan to the AHL’s Rochester Americans, Solar Bears captain Eric Baier picked up right where he left off, dishing out two assists on Wednesday; the defenseman has five helpers over his last five games for Orlando.

WITALA FINDING STRIDE:Since the Solar Bears began their 10-game road trip, rookie forward Chase Witala has enjoyed his most productive output of the season. The first-year pro netted his first goal with Orlando on Dec. 6 at Greenville, and has two goals and two assists in the first six games of the road trip.

HEAD TO HEADOverall: 0-0-0-0Home: 0-0-0-0Road: 0-0-0-02015-16 Overall: 1-2-1-02015-16 Home: 0-2-1-02015-16 Away: 1-0-0-0Last 5 Years: 7-5-2-0Last 5 Years Home: 4-4-2-0Last 5 Years Away: 3-1-0-0

LEADERSPoints: Findlay & Manderson  – 28Goals: Perry – 14Assists: Findlay – 20+/-: Manderson – +16PIM: Miller – 31SOG: Faille – 98

BEAR TRACKER

• Baier: Needs two goals to tie Mickey Lang (32) for fourth in team history

STREAKS

• Baier: 2-game assist streak (3a)
• Brouillard: 3-game point streak (1g-3a)
• Cameranesi: 3-game point streak (2g-2a)
• Crane: 4-game point streak: (5g-1a)
• Doherty: 2-game assist streak (2a)
• Faille: 4-game point streak (2g-3a)
• Findlay: 2-game point streak (2g-2a)
• Kaskisuo: 4-game win streak
• Manderson: 3-game assist streak (4a)­­

AFFILIATE NOTES:The Toronto Marlies fell to the Rochester Americans by a 5-2 score on Wednesday, and are back in action against the Albany Devils on Saturday afternoon at the Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a 3-2 shootout contest to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday, and look to bounce back against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday evening.

NEW APP:The Solar Bears have released a brand-new mobile app, presented by BB&T, giving Solar Bears fans everything they need right in their pocket. The app is also home to the brand-new Loyalty & Rewards Program, which provides Solar Bears fans with opportunities to accumulate points and redeem them for exclusive prizes. The new app is FREE and available for both iOS and Android devices.

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Ugly Sweater jersey - Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades - Thursday, Dec. 22 - 7 p.m.
• Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades - Tuesday, Dec. 27 - 7 p.m.
• Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits - Friday, Dec. 30 - 7 p.m.

Single-game tickets are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.